Would like to hear from active riders in TX

Hi, Any of the active riders in Texas have experience with police, laws, etc. regarding 50cc and under assist type bikes? I have not had a second look on my Ebike but it is very stealthy and or people are just not very observant.

The only problem I have had is the DPS trooper chasing me down to look at my bike. I live out in the country and he knows me and where I live. He had see the bike at the Allsups and just wanted to look it over. As far as the city cops go, what EXACTLY are you going to do to a 6-2 , 270 ball headed guy riding a bicycle. Its live and let live out on the Giant Side of Texas

The only problem I have had is the DPS trooper chasing me down to look at my bike. I live out in the country and he knows me and where I live. He had see the bike at the Allsups and just wanted to look it over. As far as the city cops go, what EXACTLY are you going to do to a 6-2 , 270 ball headed guy riding a bicycle. Its live and let live out on the Giant Side of Texas

Motor assisted scooter shall have the same meaning assigned by Texas Transportation Code Section 551.301(2), as it exists or may be amended, and includes a self-propelled device with at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation; a braking system capable of stopping the device under typical operating conditions; a gas or electric motor forty (40) cubic centimeters or less; a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device; and the ability to be propelled by human power alone.

Section 3.
It is unlawful for any adult to operate or ride a motor assisted scooter on any public way or public property for which the posted speed limit is more than thirty-five (35) miles per hour. The motor assisted scooter may cross a road or a street at an intersection where the road or street to be crossed has a posted speed of more than thirty-five (35) miles per hour.

Ive read over texas state laws and my interpretation is that as long as it is under 40 cc's then you are ok if you are riding safely according to bike traffic laws. This link has some great info, but also check out your local laws.

Ive read over texas state laws and my interpretation is that as long as it is under 40 cc's then you are ok if you are riding safely according to bike traffic laws. This link has some great info, but also check out your local laws.

One of the nice things about building one of these things is you can placard it anyway you want. Since you are the builder, it's hard to argue against you. Aircraft homebuilders do it all the time. If an engine causes an airframe overspeed, you can derate it with a different prop or even write an RPM limit into the Operating manual. The homebuilder IS the manufacturer. Just bike friendly.

'walt...you nailed it...now, all we have to do is make sure our motorsport (like lite-aircrafting) is viewed as a serious adult endeavor...and that comes down to rider-behavior.

if you're only supposed to have 40cc, the only way to get "caught" with more displacement is if you're out there asking for trouble. we have to demonstrate a willingness to self-regulate & standardize.

That's pretty clear cut and easy to understand. Only problem is that 40cc thing since most gas engine kits are a minimum 49cc.

Click to expand...

Well,

Most name-brand engine manufacturers supply engines in a range of sizes, and the kit & M-bike makers who use name-brand engines (GEBE, Stanton, and the like,) offer the whole range. However, the Chinese imports don't seem to have anything smaller than the 49cc available...

Part of the standards problem also rests with the states. Each one is implementing a different set of standards. In Texas, they are saying 40cc. In Arizona and apparently in several other locations, it is 48cc 2HP, and running at 20mph or less.

I think that IF we can develop enough numbers to influence more states to standardize on a common max engine size, we could start to see those same standards trickle down from the "low-cost" engine makers also.